This is a very simple way to put together food for a group of sports enthusiasts who are hanging out at your home to watch the game.  All you need is a couple of slow cookers and you can put together a buffet bar that features hot dogs, bowls full of chili, and nachos.  It’s simple, and it always impresses your guests.  The best part is that you get to spend time visiting or watching the game instead of being trapped in the kitchen and chained to your stove.  This is a great meal idea for get togethers with friends for Superbowl, March Madness, or the World Series.  I’ve even used this for birthday parties.  How does this bar work?  It’s simple.  First, fill one slow cooker with hot dogs and cover them with water.  Add a couple of tablespoons of vinegar to the water and a pinch of both nutmeg and cumin.   This cooking method is referred to as the dirty water cooking method.    Turn the slow cooker to high until the hot dogs are heated through.  Then, turn it back down to low to keep the dogs hot.

In another slow cooker, cook or reheat chili.  You can make a pot of chili a day or two ahead of time and just reheat it on game day.    I always find that the chili has better flavor on the second day.  Again, turn the slow cooker to high and reheat your chili.  It takes about 2 hours on high.  Once your chili is hot, turn your slow cooker to low, or warm, to keep your chili hot throughout the party.

In addition to your two slow cookers, you will need the following :

• A platter full of hot dog buns
• Condiments like mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise, and relish
• Toppings like diced tomatoes, diced onion, shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and pickled jalapeno slices
• A bowl full of tortilla chips
• Bowls, plates, and utensils for serving and eating.

Once everything is arranged on the table, it’s easy for your guests to serve themselves.  With this assortment of condiments and foods, it’s possible for party goers to choose from several different options.

• Hot Dogs with traditional toppings
• Chili Dogs or Chili Cheese Dogs
• A bowl of chili topped with cheese and onion
• Chips topped with chili, cheese, and other toppings to make nachos

It’s a simple, but versatile, buffet bar, and that’s why we like it.   We think it’s more fun when our guests can create something of their own.  For instance, have you ever had a guacamole dog?

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can always add a third slow cooker filled with Queso Dip.  That’s delicious, too.

Give this buffet a try and let us know what you think by leaving a comment below.Thanks for visiting Patty Cake’s Pantry.

Nutrition information is for one regular sized Slow Cooker All Beef Hot Dog on a bun without condiments.